They hide in the cracks and crevices of your bed and only come out at night - and now the UK is set to face an epidemic of bed bugs.

The small insects can be difficult to see to the naked eye - but you will know if you have them in your bed as they like to nibble on exposed skin and leave itchy red lumps (scratching yet?).

According to the experts, the recent hot weather means we could face an infestation of the little critters as their reproductive cycle shortens from 18-21 days to eight or nine days - and some people are even bringing them back from holiday, unwittingly, in their luggage.

A bed bug (picture getty images).

A spokesman for the NHS said: "Adult bedbugs are oval-shaped, flat and up to 5mm long – similar to an apple seed and their colour varies between dark yellow, red or brown."

Although bed bugs aren't dangerous and don't spread any diseases, some people can experience a reaction to the bites.

Bedbug bites

can cause itchy red bumps on the skin

usually occur on exposed areas such as the face, neck, hands or arms

often occur in lines across the skin

may cause a rash or fluid-filled blisters in more severe cases

can become infected with bacteria if scratched – signs of infection include pain, increasing redness and swelling

The bites usually fade in a few days. If they're very itchy, you can buy a mild steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone) or antihistamine tablets to relieve the itch.

See your GP if you develop signs of a skin infection (pain, redness and swelling). You may need antibiotics.

"Bedbugs tend to prefer fabric or wood over plastic and metal, and often hide near to where you sleep – for example, under the mattress or along the headboard.

"But they can be found away from the bed in other furniture, along the edges of carpets and even behind mirrors or inside smoke alarms.